-- This does turn out to be my build thread. Dana 44/14 bolt swap starts on page 7..

Haven't had a Jeep for a few years and really been missing it. Found a '77 CJ7 on craigslist somewhat near by and picked it up Saturday night. I am so freakin excited. It's kinda rough, but that's exactly what I want. It has a good running 304 and a Powertrax locker in the front. More pics to come, this is one from last night..http://www.powerstrokenation.com/pho...oming_home.jpg
I've got tons of plans for it but I'm still in research mode. Think I want to do an SOA with YJ springs to start with, but I'm not sure how or where to gather all the parts for that. I don't like the 3 speed manual in it now, (too tall of first gear) so I'm debating swapping and converting an extra SM465 I have. It needs a new top, probably just get a Bestop Tiger top. It came with the full doors but they don't fit with the cage the previous owner had built. Not sure what to do there, may start over with the cage.

Comments or advice is welcome. Once I start making progress I'll start a build thread with plenty of pics.

cj-ing-rj

02-12-2012 11:49 AM

Welcome back to the cj world!!! Just remember there never finished so take your time and enjoy...

papa355

02-12-2012 11:51 AM

sweet, good luck with it. doesn't look as rough as mine did on day one.....lol. Is the frame good?

JeepHammer

02-12-2012 12:35 PM

Well, you are a CJ guy, so you know the rules!
Service EVERYTHING, from fuel/air filters down to flushing the brake system with some fresh fluid...
Can't trust ANYTHING the PO might (or probably Didn't... DO!)

The only big red flag I see is the 'Power Trax' locker in the front.
When you service the front diff, you might want to check the center pin in that locker.
I've never had any luck with them. Broken half a dozen in the past few years.
There is a hardened pin, but they charge you extra for it...
Typical, don't put the hardened pin in the thing in the FIRST PLACE!... :mad:

Once the hardened pin was in place, I didn't have issues with them...

dmoffat

02-12-2012 02:45 PM

I'm not that terribly experienced with CJ's.. I had a CJ8 for a bit but I never did much to it. My other project Jeep was a TJ.

I had it in the shop cleaning it up and checking it out today for a bit. It is really rough sheet metal and bondo wise, but the frame appears okay. It's going to take a lot of work I can see that but that's what I wanted, something to keep me busy.

The powertrax just got put in, but I'll be sure to check it out. He sent the original spider gears with me, as well as an aluminum intake and two brake wheel cylinders.

I've just got to sit down and set my plan for a Stage 1 build. I know I need a better crawl ratio.. am I on the right track with the SM465 or is there a better way?

John87

02-12-2012 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeepHammer
(Post 13037776)

Well, you are a CJ guy, so you know the rules!
Service EVERYTHING, from fuel/air filters down to flushing the brake system with some fresh fluid...
Can't trust ANYTHING the PO might (or probably Didn't... DO!)

The only big red flag I see is the 'Power Trax' locker in the front.
When you service the front diff, you might want to check the center pin in that locker.
I've never had any luck with them. Broken half a dozen in the past few years.
There is a hardened pin, but they charge you extra for it...
Typical, don't put the hardened pin in the thing in the FIRST PLACE!... :mad:

Once the hardened pin was in place, I didn't have issues with them...

is this the same issue with the AMC20 rear? discovered today that is what i have in my rear. is there a visual difference between the regular and hardened pin?

dmoffat

02-12-2012 08:30 PM

Just add a couple pics of the simple little things I did today other than cleaning out the inside.. I've got so much to do. Also order the Tigertop for it this afternoon.

Congrats on the CJ...and welcome back to the world of "what the hell is wrong now!?!" :2thumbsup:

urbikesucks

02-12-2012 08:57 PM

Sucker......, jokin its a money pit but there fun.

dmoffat

02-12-2012 09:32 PM

Thanks guys. It's definitely going to be a money pit. I'm beginning to back off the SOA idea for now. I just want to clear the 33's I've got and wheel it for a year or so then try building my own link suspension or do the soa next winter. Contemplation this Black Diamond 3' lift.. http://www.quadratec.com/products/16110_004.htm Figure with tube fenders my 33's should be okay. I like the looks of the Smittybilt XRC's http://www.quadratec.com/products/12508_300X_PG.htm and their rear fender flares to match.

papa355

02-12-2012 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmoffat
(Post 13038450)

I'm not that terribly experienced with CJ's.. I had a CJ8 for a bit but I never did much to it. My other project Jeep was a TJ.

I had it in the shop cleaning it up and checking it out today for a bit. It is really rough sheet metal and bondo wise, but the frame appears okay. It's going to take a lot of work I can see that but that's what I wanted, something to keep me busy.

The powertrax just got put in, but I'll be sure to check it out. He sent the original spider gears with me, as well as an aluminum intake and two brake wheel cylinders.

I've just got to sit down and set my plan for a Stage 1 build. I know I need a better crawl ratio.. am I on the right track with the SM465 or is there a better way?

check this jeep out and ask KW, about the trans. I think he still has that same trans in his monster jeep ;)

That thing is a monster for sure!

Front tube fenders and an Optima red top battery showed up today. Top should be here tomorrow. Lift kit, wheels and rear tube flares should be here next week. I cannot wait.

Ratchet

02-17-2012 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmoffat
(Post 13067869)

Front tube fenders and an Optima red top battery showed up today. Top should be here tomorrow. Lift kit, wheels and rear tube flares should be here next week. I cannot wait.

:highfive: YES! I like where this is headed.

dmoffat

02-18-2012 06:56 PM

Made some progress today. Installed the new Tigertop and Smittybilt Tube fenders as well as the rear flares. It's starting to come together. Hopefully 3 inches of lift doesn't leave my 33's looking small. I haven't done anything for the side marker light yet, I think I'm going to stick a couple small LED's on the inner fender so it has something. My lift and 4 of my 5 wheels will be here next week but I have to go to Kansas City for training next weekend. Guess I'll see if I get an ambitious after work one day.